Best Aussie films of all time

Here's our round-up some of the "best" Aussie films of all time.
- byHayley Peppin

17 Aug
2018

1. Crocodile Dundee (1986)

Australia would probably still be confused with “Austria” today if it wasn’t for this international hit, which put us on the map (along with all the clichés we’re still known for).

This classic fish-out-of-water film featured Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee playing the original crocodile hunter who wielded a giant knife – “that’s not knife, this is a knife” and wrestled reptiles for a living until being whisked away to New York by an American reporter.

The film remains our highest grossing at $47, 707, 045, which adjusted for inflation in 2014, would amount to $118. 3 million.

2. Australia (2008)

Referred to as the “Australian version of Gone With the Wind”, the epic historical drama by Baz Luhrman starred Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

The film, which explores Indigenous history and World War 2, was paid particular attention to its historical accuracy as Luhrmann scoured north Queensland for any authentic 1930’s furniture and vehicles four weeks prior to filming.

Oprah Winfrey also heavily promoted the film when she famously jetted off her entire studio audience down under.

3. Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Australia’s all-time favourites would definitely have to include the largely theatrical,Strictly Ballroom, by Baz Luhrmann, featuring Paul Mercurio.

The film, which encountered many struggles during its production, took three years to complete due to lack of funding. The final scene was even shot during the lunch break at a real ballroom dancing championship.

Despite its production battles, the film’s world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 received a 15-minute standing ovation.

4. Babe

Hailed as the kid’s movie (based on Dick King-Smith’s novel,The Sheep-Pig) that delighted viewers of all ages by George Miller was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture.

The imaginative film was seen as an advance in special effects, launching a wave of live-action, talking-animal flicks, so it’s no surprise it won an Oscar for “Best Visual Effects”.

Reportedly over 48 different piglets played the role of Babe as they outgrew the part so quickly during the film’s production.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road

The fourth installment to the popularMax Maxseries received great critical acclaim with some even calling it one of the greatest action movies ever made.

The apocalyptic film, which was in development for 10 years, drew particular praise for showcasing strong female leads like Charlize Theron’s shaven-headed Imperator Furiosa.

Its success was proven as it walked away with six awards at the 2016 Oscars, more than any film that year.

6. Happy Feet

Another George Miller marvel, was the computer-animated musical film about a dancing penguin called Mumble.

The film, which was voiced by an all-star cast, was lauded by critics on their animation, yet received mixed reactions regarding its environmental messages.

One scene was even voiced by Steve Irwin, who plays an albatross, which was included in the special features section of the DVD in honour of Irwin’s memory.

7. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

In a similar style to Baz Luhrman, Stephan Elliott’s dazzling musical set in Alice Springs, became a cult classic and worldwide smash hit.

The film put the LGBT community at the forefront when it depicted drag queens and transsexuals to mainstream audiences.

Despite receiving Academy award recognition for its costume design, the film’s wardrobe was, in fact, rather cost-efficient with Hugo Weaving’s famous thong dress costing only $7 using materials purchased from Target.

8. Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

The Aussie classic about the socially awkward, ABBA-obsessed, Muriel, launched the career of the then unknown, Toni Collette in 1994.

Despite it being the first film PJ Hogan ever directed; the heartfelt, yet quirky comedy raked in almost $60 million worldwide, becoming an international success.

The iconic film is set to become a musical, headlining the 2017 season of the Sydney Theatre Company.

9. The Castle

Rob Sitch’s tale of big-hearted, blue-collar heroes became one of Australia’s most widely quoted and lovable comedies.

The film grossed more $10,326,428 million at the Australian box office, making more than 13 times its $750,000 budget. When it was released in the US, some of the famous dialogue was unfortunately redubbed to suit American audiences.

The iconic house in the film, which was sourced after filmmakers door knocked homes near the airport, is now reportedly being moved from Strathmore, Victoria to Corowa, in southern New South Wales.

As Darryl Kerrigan would say, “location, location, location”.

10. Ladies In Black

Madeleine St John’s book The Women in Black inspired the all-Aussie cast and crew in the film Ladies In Black. Set in the summer of '59, a young, impressionable schoolgirl named Lisa starts working at Sydney department store, Goodes, where she meets her vivacious co-workers AKA the 'ladies in black'. Together, Magda, Patty and Fay guide Lisa into adulthood by schooling her on European migration and women's liberation.

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*Each guest who purchases the “Girls’ Night Out” ticket will receive 1 x Parcel and 1 x WHO magazine on arrival. Each guest who purchases the “Girls’ Night Out - LUX” ticket will receive 1 x glass of sparkling wine, 1 x Parcel and 1 x WHO Magazine on arrival. “Girls’ Night Out” and “Girls’ Night Out - LUX” ticket available whilst stocks last. **Guests who purchase a “GNO Popcorn” ticket will receive a small popcorn with their ticket only. An online booking fee applies per ticket - $1.50 for General Admission and $3 for HOYTS LUX tickets. All parcels are valued at a minimum of $45. Parcel contents may vary. Vouchers and discounts are not valid at this event.

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